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Courtesy of BHLDN
Few occasions call for all-out glamour, but the number one on our list is, without a doubt, a New Year's Eve wedding. As a guest, this is your red-carpet moment — an occasion to pull out all the stops. Sure, under normal circumstances, you wouldn't want to steal attention from the couple of honor. But on January 31, it's safe to assume the soon-to-be-wed selected the date for the increased merriment, making a dialed-up dress more than appropriate.
When deciding upon a New Year's Eve wedding guest dress, color, and style are big considerations. Dazzling numbers are indeed encouraged — think metallic hues, sequin-decked designs, and luxe fabrics with sheen. Jewel tones, vibrant colors, playful prints, and muted shades work, too — you'll look party-perfect in a shimmering slate, gleaming indigo, or sparkling sandstone.
Read on for the best New Year's Eve wedding guest dresses to usher in the new year and the newlyweds in style.
For a Black-Tie Wedding
Lulus Evenings of Elegance Navy Blue Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
For the ultimate black-tie wedding look, you can't go wrong with this show-stopping sequin gown. Its floor-length silhouette is perfect for a formal affair while the lace-up back and thigh-high slit add some sexiness to your shimmering look.
Price at time of publish: $109
Best Metallic
Sabina Musayev Ray Dress
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Revolve
This fun fringe dress is exactly what you need to take you from the reception to the dance floor, to the afterparty. Style with black pumps to complement the black shoulder bows.
Price at time of publish: $490
Most Fun
Rixo Lara Velvet-Trimmed Open-Back Sequined Crepe Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
If the dress code calls for festive attire, this sequin mini is a no-brainer. Inspired by '60s styles, this hot pink number is for the bold and daring. Wear your hair up to showcase the open back finished with soft velvet ties.
Price at time of publish: $445
Most Whimsical
AQUA Star Foil Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
This flirty high-neck number is perfect for those looking to add a festive little black dress to their holiday wardrobe. Complete with puff sleeves and boasting a foil star print–we can't think of a more festive look for a New Year's Eve wedding.
Price at time of publish: $98
Best Velvet
Reformation Merel Velvet Dress
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Reformation
When it comes to a cold-weather New Year's Eve wedding, you can never go wrong with a sumptuous velvet dress. This impossibly chic style from Reformation would pair beautifully with gold or silver accessories.
Price at time of publish: $178
Best Unique Fabric
Retrofête Doss Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Metallic fabrics are spot-on for New Year's Eve and more distinctive is a dress crafted from a shimmering fabric like lamé. The pin-thin spaghetti straps will beautifully enhance your neckline with a side split on the skirt for added allure.
Price at time of publish: $595
Most Polished
ASOS DESIGN Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeve
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ASOS DESIGN
This elegant batwing dress strikes a chord, though the clean lines ensure total elegance. Accent yours with heels and jewelry in polished silver for added shine.
Price at time of publish: $105
Best One-Shoulder
Amsale Draped Bodice Gown
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Courtesy of Amsale
This fluid satin dress is stunning for a black-tie wedding, featuring an off-one-shoulder silhouette and bias column skirt. The pale green sheen is plenty festive with a pared-back design to suit minimalist tastes.
Price at time of publish: $495
Most Dramatic
Ronny Kobo Tiered Deep-V Dress
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Courtesy of Anthropologie
This sparkling iridescent dress features unique puff sleeves and an open back, exuding modern romance just right for a wedding. Add an extra layer of New Year's Eve shine with glittering heels and jewelry.
Price at time of publish: $628
Most Demure
ASOS DESIGN Satin Batwing Bias Cut Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Though the silhouette is demure, liquid metallic fabric makes this dress a festive option for New Year's Eve. For extra razzle-dazzle, finish with diamond or rhinestone earrings.
Price at time of publish: $105
Most Unexpected Color
Retrofête Gabrielle Sequin Robe in Lavender
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Courtesy of Retrofête
We love a little black dress, but for more distinction, this shimmering lavender is so unexpected. Keep the rest of your look simple with minimal jewelry and a simple heel–this dress does all the talking.
Price at time of publish: $635
Best Gold Sequin
Eloquii Dolman Sleeve Sequin Dress
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Courtesy of Eloquii
Like with jewelry, some prefer gold over silver. If this is you, look no further than this gilded dress, featuring an empire waist, dramatic sleeves, and a thigh-high slit for a look that's both flattering and festive. This style also comes in green and black.
Price at the time of publish: $130
Best Embellishments
Saloni Camille Velvet Embellished Bows Dress
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Amazon
Nothing screams it's time to celebrate quite like a crystal-embellished number. In luxe black velvet and finished with faux pearl and crystal bow appliqués, this Saloni dress is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Price at time of publish: $650
Most Festive
Mango Sequined Dress
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Courtesy of Mango
The only way to make an all-over sequins dress even more eye-catching? Pick one in a bright color with a leg-baring silhouette–like this fuchsia number from Mango.
Price at time of publish: $70
Most Fun
Hutch Take A Bow Tulle Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Anthropologie
You'll make a wedding-guest statement in this strappy mini dress. Crafted from frothy tulle and featuring an oversized bow, this flirty mini is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Price at time of publish: $160
Most Elegant
Brandon Maxwell Sweetheart-Neck Stretch-Crepe Gown
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Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Channel classic Hollywood glamour in this elegant gown by Brandon Maxwell. The décolletage-revealing off-the-shoulder neckline calls for dazzling earrings, while the fitted silhouette celebrates and accentuates your figure.
Best for Dancing
Sabina Musayev Felicie Shimmery Long-Sleeve Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
With a tiered skirt and plunging neckline, this metallic mini is destined for an occasion like New Year's Eve. What's more, packed with multidimensional color, this shimmering dress catches the light from every angle.
Price at time of publish: $329
Best Silver Sequin
& Other Stories Fitted Sequin Mini Dress
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Courtesy of & Other Stories
If you're stuck on what to wear to a New Year's Eve wedding, a safe bet will always be a sequin embellished dress. Wear yours with a bright lip and shoulder-grazing earrings.
Price at time of publish: $179
What to Look for in a New Year's Eve Wedding Guest Outfit
A New Year's Eve wedding is the perfect occasion to dress up in something fun and statement-making–especially if the wedding invitation calls for festive attire. If you're looking to make a bold entrance, go for floor-length gowns in all-over shimmering sequins or beaded mini dresses that transition seamlessly from the ceremony to the after-party. More of a minimalist? You can never go wrong with a simple LBD that can easily be dressed up with festive accessories like statement-making earrings or dazzling metallic shoes.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajiness covers fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. Her work can be seen across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands.